Church of England backs women bishops in historic vote

Women react after the Synod session which approved the consecration of women bishops, in York July 14, 2014. (Reuters / Nigel Roddis) / Reuters

The Church of England has voted overwhelmingly in favor of allowing women to become bishops. The vote was greeted with applause by elated supporters, with British Prime Minister Cameron praising the move as a great day for the Church.

In a landmark victory for equality, the Church of England’s
national assembly, known as the Synod, voted in favor of measures
that will pave the way for women to be ordained as bishops.
Overall, 351 members voted for the measures, with only 72 opposed
and 10 abstaining.

The Synod is made up of three houses – bishops, clergy and laity
– and a two thirds majority is required to push such measures
through.

I warmly welcome today's vote formally approving women bishops
- a great day for the Church and for equality.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby praised the results of the
vote, calling it the completion of a process started over two
decades ago when the Church allowed women to become priests.
However, he recognized the results could cause divisions in the
Church with traditionalists who oppose women bishops.
"As delighted as I am for the outcome of this vote I am also
mindful of whose within the Church for whom the result will be
difficult and a cause of sorrow," he said in a statement. He
said the Church of England had “hard work” ahead of it
and was in for a “long period of culture change.”

Supporters of the ordination of women greeted the results of the
vote with jubilation.
“We are ecstatic,” said Reverend Lindsay Southern, from the
parish of Catterick with Tunstall, North Yorkshire to the
Independent. “To be at this point is really wonderful, I
don't think any of us really expected that it really would go
through. We're very relieved, very joyful, and I really want to
go and hug a bishop."

Opponents believe that the ordination of women as bishops goes
against the Bible’s teachings and men should hold the senior
positions in the Church. Two years ago the legislation did not
pass through the Synod prompting threats of intervention from
parliament.

Following the approval of the new legislation, Archbishop Welby
told the BBC that he expected the first women to be appointed as
bishops at some time next year.

The Catholic Church has already reacted to the Synod’s vote,
saying it will make relations between the two institutions more
difficult.

“The decision of the Church of England to admit women to the
episcopate therefore sadly places a further obstacle on the path
to this unity between us,” said an official statement post
on the website of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
“Nevertheless we are committed to continuing our ecumenical
dialogue, seeking deeper mutual understanding and practical
cooperation wherever possible.”

The Church of England was founded by Henry VIII when he appointed
himself the institution’s head in 1534. The UK government is now
charged with electing the Archbishop of Canterbury who is the
Church’s spiritual leader.